Putting the Nasty in Duck Dynasty

I’ve been at odds for the better part of today. I’d glanced at the news yesterday and heard some of the rants and rhetoric that poured out of the lips of this expert-at-nothing “reality” celebrity. Reality is in question here, that is, he’s an image created to appeal to a segment of society for purposes of selling a tv show. He’s not authentic by any means, and yet his comments have put people on edge. It began to bother me this morning as I was getting ready for work.  To state that I have mixed emotions is to understate what has been playing in my mind all day. Here’s a brief look at the diverse and conflicting thoughts I have been processing today in relation to his “truth” speech:

·         Personal belief

·         Religious faith

·         Hate speech

·         Prejudice hiding behind religious text

·         Freedom of expression

·         Implications of stigma for sexual minorities (LGBTQ)

·         Implications from this speech in hate crimes towards those who are not heteronormative

·         Being viewed and presented as “less than”

·         Freedom of speech

·         Being batshit crazy in response… from all sides

·         Responsibility in speech (especially those who have a public platform)

·         Culture wars

·         Bronze age myths

·         Implied assumption of biblical “truth”

·         Tolerance

·         Lack of tolerance

·         Inclusiveness

·         Absolutes versus relativism

·         Ignorance versus reason

·         Speaking uniformed

·         Bible for use as a moral compass for the definition of right and wrong

·         Cherry picking those values that you agree with at the exclusion of other values included in religious texts that you don’t abide by

·         Biblical views on women, slavery, and the Levitical code

Where to begin? Should I begin? I’m offended by his statements. I’ll add it to the ones that others heap upon me and other sexual minorities. It’s just another goddamn brick in the wall. Do you think this is first time I’ve heard this verbal offal? Get in line, he’s not the first to say these things, nor will he be the last. Some days are easier than others when hearing this sort of thing. At times you just do an eyeroll and brush it off, and then other days, words zing past the outer defenses and hit a sensitive spot. I’ll admit it touched on a sensitive spot today. How should I respond? Or should I? How do I process this event using my brain and not allow my emotions to push me to react? There’s enough of that going around, lots of chatter and comments; for those who are supportive of the LGBTQ community I thank you. Your support is appreciated and your voices matter. Respond as you feel you should. For me, I must always be mindful of anger, it’s a trap for me and does me harm.

Homophobes everywhere are posting comments about how Merika has been overrun with the homosectional agenda. Puleeeeeze bitches. What you are experiencing is that people are no longer going to listen to your shit talk. You've been served, been read, and called out. Reading is fundamental and the library is open for business (for those of you who do not know what a “read” is look it up in the urban dictionary). Now you know.

I believe in freedom of speech. I certainly do. Papa Smurf Robertson has the right to express his views. Even if I or others disagree with them, even if his expressed views are hurtful, he can say what he thinks. In turn, I can express my views and say he’s full of shit if I want to. Do I think he is being skillful in saying these things? Not at all. People, for whatever reason, look to him as an expert (in life skills?) and his words on sexual minorities may reinforce negative views from his admirers, who in turn may act our prejudicially towards those who are not inclined towards heterosexuality. This speech stigmatizes others and in turn they may be treated unfairly or differently. Some may be moved to commit violence against sexual minorities, as according to his perspective on the Bible we are seen as perverts, sinners, of a reprobate mind, and against God. Those views might justify (in the minds of perpetrators) violence towards others. His speech is hateful; it denigrates me and devalues those like me. It’s like “give those dirty faggots what they deserve!  Repent and turn to God you sodomites or face judgment!” Before you think I exaggerate, talk to those of us who have experienced this. Being struck with a baseball bat or spit upon is not something that is easily forgotten. Bet you didn’t know that, did you? Maybe I should start wearing a scarlet letter on my clothing? If so, what letter would it be? H for homo? S for sodomite? Does it come in standard blood red or can I customize it and make it a fashion accessory? Should I wear matching socks?

Which of the following is worse? Papa Smurf telling me I’m going to hell and listing my orientation akin to bestiality or Martin Bashir suggesting that someone should shit in Sarah Palin’s mouth?  Is there a difference? Can I count on your support for Mr. Bashir's right to free speech and the reinstatement of his job at MSNBC?

He’s also entitled to his religious beliefs. They’re not mine so I don’t have to abide by them. My own personal journey began in a religious environment similar to his, but I have moved beyond Absoluteville and ventured out on my own path. I acknowledge that he believes what he says but that’s it, I don’t have to do anything else. And I choose not to listen to that prattle.  Does his faith require this (unskillful speech about others)? Or did he cherry pick his prejudice from the Good Book? My thoughts as a recovering Christian (does one EVER truly escape their indoctrination?) is that if you are going to regard the Bible as your reference book for how to live a good and godly life, then do THAT. And what I mean is that you should follow all of the teachings found in the Bible. No picking out the best verses that support your prejudices or your shortcomings, follow ALL of it. Period. No cop outs: “we’re not under the Old Testament law” or “Jesus abolished the law” crap. Be consistent, be faithful. Live it or don’t presume to have the authority to tell others how they should live. Get your own house in order.

I come from that very sort of conservative religious background. I understand it and know how next to impossible it is to see things any other way from that viewpoint. I understand the position he is speaking from. I don’t agree but I understand. When you see the world as being divided into two and only two camps – right and wrong – believer and sinner – sheep and goats, you cannot view others who differ from you and your values as being anything other than the enemy. I get that. Personally I think there is a better way. It’s not only about tolerance, but about being inclusive. Don’t tell me that if I don’t agree with you that I’m being discriminatory towards your beliefs. That’s poppycock. Belief systems are always up for discussion and debate. People have rights, not beliefs.

Understand this: people are jumping to either side of this issue and some are using it for their own nefarious purposes. The comments that have been made on social media are unsettling. So much rabid, foaming at the mouth knee jerk reactions from all sides. We may learn later on that this was a calculated move from A&E themselves to boost ratings. It certainly has people talking. But is anyone listening or are we all just wired for sound?  This writing is my outlet.  It's my way to process and to think through. I don’t particularly want to discuss this in public, it’s uncomfortable. It brings up strong emotions. The controversy with Duck Dynasty was discussed at work today as though it were some abstract concept that didn’t really apply to people, or to me sitting there with the rest of the staff. It made me uncomfortable, so much so that I left when I could. My peers don’t share the life experiences that I have had. Some of them were extremely hurtful (speech, violence) and there was no way to convey my feelings on his speech without giving details from my past. That was something that I was not prepared or willing to do, so I escaped to settle my mind and return to work. It’s a process.

I want respect, therefore I give respect. I want forgiveness, so I give forgiveness. I never before have watched this show. I don’t see the appeal and certainly now, I am even less inclined to check them out. But for some of you, be sure to head out to your local Walmart to stock up on your favorite Duck Dynasty gear. Just in time for Christmas.